[Shop-talk] garage expansion project

[Larry Spector]

Congrats! I went through this ~5 years ago, and couldn't be happier with the
finished garage.

The garage floor does have some minimum requirements for the concrete.
According to Bend-Pack, the concrete should be 4" minimum 3000psi for a 4
post lift: http://www.bendpak.com/tech-stuff/

Depending on the brand/model you go with, you may need 220VAC to power the
lift as well as air to release the locks when lowering it.

One thing I did in the construction phase was pull the specs for the lift I
wanted, and lay it out in the empty space. It helped me decide where to put
windows without having the columns block them. You'll also need to consider
the column height when you install your garage door and opener.

-Larry

On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 9:15 PM, Eric J Russell <ejrussell at mebtel.net> wrote:

> The planets are aligning themselves and I expect to soon have the
> funds to begin a garage expansion project. I have had spousal approval
> (more like encouragement and sorry - her sisters are married) for
> quite some time.
>
> My plan is to double the garage from ~ 22'w X 22'd (laughingly called
> a "double garage") with an attic full of trusses accessible by pull
> down stairs to 44'w X 22'd with a room above for hobby use (model
> railroading). The 44' wall will be the entrance wall with garage
> doors.
>
> I will likely add a four-post lift. Does the garage floor need extra
> reinforcement?
>
> I am thinking of adding an area for an air compressor & probably a
> dust collector. Is it likely those two should not co-habit?
>
> Any other advice appreciated. Things you are glad you did or wish you
> did.
>
> Eric Russell
> Mebane, NC
> http://home.mebtel.net/~ejrussell <http://home.mebtel.net/%7Eejrussell>